Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction

Attaching child safety seats with tether straps

Most new forward-facing child safety seats include a tether strap which
goes over the back of the seat and hooks to an anchoring point. Tether
straps are available as an accessory for many older safety seats. Contact
the manufacturer of your child seat for information about ordering a
tether strap.

The tether anchors in your vehicle are located on the back of the front
seat cushion.

The tether strap anchors in your vehicle are in the following positions
(shown from top view):
• Bucket seats

• 60/40 seats

WARNING: Attach the tether strap only to the appropriate
tether anchor as shown. The tether strap may not work
properly if attached somewhere other than the correct tether
anchor.

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102

Center seating location 60/40 vinyl seats

When installing a child safety seat in the center position on a 60/40 vinyl
seat, route the tether strap through the guiding sleeve and clip it to the
center anchor.

WARNING: If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child
safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a
collision.

5. Refer to the Installing child safety seats in combination lap and

shoulder belt seating positions section of this chapter for further
instructions to secure the child safety seat.

6. Tighten the child safety seat tether strap according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

WARNING: If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk
of a child being injured in a collision greatly increases.

Attaching safety seats with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children) attachments for child seat anchors

Some child safety seats have two rigid or webbing mounted attachments
that connect to two anchors at certain seating positions in your vehicle.

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106

This type of child seat eliminates the need to use seat belts to attach the
child seat. For forward-facing child seats, the tether strap must also be
attached to the proper tether anchor. See Attaching safety seats with
tether straps in this chapter.

Your vehicle may be equipped with LATCH anchors for child seat
installation at the following seating positions:

• Bucket seats

• 60/40 seats

represents LATCH anchors.

represents tether strap anchors.

To improve child seat protection, use the tether anchor when using the
LATCH to install a child safety seat. See Attaching child safety seats
with tether straps in this section.

WARNING: Never attach two LATCH child safety seats to the
same anchor. In a crash, one anchor may not be strong enough
to hold two child safety seat attachments and may break,
causing serious injury or death.

WARNING: Do not put the LATCH type seat in the center seat
position — it only has one possible anchor point and the seat
will not be properly attached.

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107

WARNING: If there are two LATCH seats to install — you can
only mount one LATCH seat in this vehicle with the LATCH
anchor bars. You need to mount the second seat with the center
seat belt using the lap belt method and the child safety seat
tether (if equipped).

WARNING: Do not attach two seats to one LATCH anchor bar.

The lower anchors for child seat
installation are located at the rear
section of the front passenger seat
between the cushion and seat back.
The LATCH anchors are below
locator symbols on the seat back.
Two plastic LATCH guides may be
purchased from your local Mazda
dealer (part number 1F60–57–751).
They snap onto the latch lower
anchor in the vehicle to help attach
a child seat with rigid latch
attachments. It will hold the seat
foam away and expose the anchor
making attachment of the child seat
easier.

Make sure you attach the proper
child safety seat tether after
securing the LATCH.

WARNING: If the tether strap
is clipped incorrectly, the child
safety seat may not be
retained properly in the event
of a collision.

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108

Follow the child seat manufacturer’s instructions to properly install a
child seat with LATCH attachments.

WARNING: Attach LATCH lower attachments of the child seat
only to the anchors shown.

If you install a child seat with rigid LATCH attachments, do not tighten
the tether strap enough to lift the child seat off the vehicle seat cushion
when the child is seated in it. Keep the tether strap just snug without
lifting the front of the child seat. Keeping the child seat just touching the
vehicle seat gives the best protection in a severe crash.

Each time you use the safety seat, check that the seat is properly
attached to the lower anchors and tether anchor. Try to tilt the child
seat from side to side. Also try to tug the seat forward. Check to see if
the anchors hold the seat in place.

WARNING: If the safety seat is not anchored properly, the risk
of a child being injured in a crash greatly increases.

WARNING: If the tether strap is clipped incorrectly, the child
safety seat may not be retained properly in the event of a
collision.

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109

STARTING

Positions of the ignition

1. ACCESSORY, allows the

electrical accessories such as
the radio to operate while the
engine is not running.

2. LOCK, locks the steering wheel,

automatic transmission gearshift
lever and allows key removal.

3. OFF, shuts off the engine and

all accessories without locking
the steering wheel. This position
also allows the automatic transmission shift lever to be moved from
the P (Park) position without the brake pedal being depressed.

WARNING: In the ignition OFF position, the automatic
transmission shift lever can be moved from the P (Park)
position without the brake pedal depressed. To avoid unwanted
vehicle movement, always set the parking brake.

4. ON, all electrical circuits operational. Warning lights illuminated. Key

position when driving.

5. START, cranks the engine. Release the key as soon as the engine

starts.

Preparing to start your vehicle

Engine starting is controlled by the powertrain control system.

When starting a fuel-injected engine, don’t press the accelerator before
or during starting. Only use the accelerator when you have difficulty
starting the engine. For more information on starting the vehicle, refer to
Starting the engine in this chapter.

WARNING: Extended idling at high engine speeds can produce
very high temperatures in the engine and exhaust system,
creating the risk of fire or other damage.

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110

WARNING: Do not park, idle, or drive your vehicle in dry grass
or other dry ground cover. The emission system heats up the
engine compartment and exhaust system, which can start a fire.

WARNING: Do not start your vehicle in a closed garage or in
other enclosed areas. Exhaust fumes can be toxic. Always open
the garage door before you start the engine. See Guarding
against exhaust fumes

in this chapter for more instructions.

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important safety precautions

When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs faster to warm the engine. If
the engine idle speed does not slow down automatically, have the vehicle
checked.

Before starting the vehicle:

1. Make sure all occupants buckle their safety belts. For more

information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraints chapter.

2. Make sure the headlamps and electrical accessories are off.

If starting a vehicle with an automatic transmission:
• Make sure the parking brake is

set.

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111

• Make sure the gearshift is in P

(Park).

If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:

1. Make sure the parking brake is

set.

2. Push the clutch pedal to the

floor.

3. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without

turning the key to 5 (START).

If there is difficulty in turning the key, firmly rotate the steering wheel
left and right until the key turns freely. This condition may occur when:
• front wheels are turned
• front wheel is against the curb

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112

• steering wheel is turned when getting in or out of the vehicle

Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
• If the driver’s safety belt is fastened, the

light may not illuminate.

Refer to the Instrument Cluster chapter for more information.

Starting the engine

Note: Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

1. Turn the key to 4 (ON) without

turning the key to 5 (START). If
there is difficulty in turning the
key, rotate the steering wheel
until the key turns freely. This
condition may occur when:

• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
Turn the key to 5 (START), then
release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.

Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 3 (OFF), wait 10 seconds and try again.

Cold weather starting (flexible fuel vehicles only)

In cold weather, ethanol fuel distributors should supply winter grade
(E

85) ethanol. If summer grade (E

85) ethanol is used in cold weather,

you may experience increased cranking times, rough idle or hesitation

RPMx1000

ABS

BRAKE

CHECK
ENGINE

CHECK

FUEL

CAP

R N D 2 1

THEFT

SPEED
CONT

4WD
HIGH

4WD
LOW

O/D
OFF

MPH

60 70

km/h

0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0

100

120

140

160

180

DOOR
AJAR

CHECK

GAGE

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113

until the engine has warmed up. Consult your fuel distributor for the
availability of winter grade (E

85) ethanol. High-quality blends of winter

grade (E

85) ethanol will produce satisfactory cold weather starting and

driving results.

Cold starting performance can also be improved by using an engine block
heater. Engine block heaters are available as an option and can be
obtained from your Mazda dealer. Consult the engine block heater
section for proper use of the engine block heater.

If you experience cold weather starting problems on (E

85) ethanol, and

neither an alternative brand of (E

85) ethanol nor an engine block

heater is available, adding unleaded gasoline to your tank will improve
cold starting performance. Your vehicle is designed to operate on (E

85)

ethanol, unleaded gasoline alone, or any mixture of the two.

If the engine fails to start using the preceding instructions (flexible
fuel vehicles only)

1. Press and hold down the accelerator 1/3 to 1/2 way to floor, then

crank the engine.

2. When the engine starts, release the key, then gradually release the

accelerator pedal as the engine speeds up. If the engine still fails to
start, repeat Step 1.

Using the engine block heater (if equipped)

An engine block heater warms the engine coolant which aids in starting
and heater/defroster performance. Use of an engine block heater is
strongly recommended if you live in a region where temperatures reach
-23° C (-10° F) or below. For best results, plug the heater in at least
three hours before starting the vehicle. The heater can be plugged in the
night before starting the vehicle.

WARNING: To prevent electrical shock, do not use your heater
with ungrounded electrical systems or two-pronged (cheater)
adapters.

Guarding against exhaust fumes

Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. Take precautions to avoid
its dangerous effects.

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114

WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive
if you smell exhaust fumes.

Important ventilating information

If the engine is idling while the vehicle is stopped for a long period of
time, open the windows at least 2.5 cm (one inch) or adjust the heating
or air conditioning to bring in fresh air.

BRAKES

Occasional brake noise is normal. If a metal-to-metal, continuous grinding
or continuous squeal sound is present, the brake linings may be worn-out
and should be inspected by a qualified service technician. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by a qualified service technician.

Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS)

This vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a noise
from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake system.

NOTE: The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.

A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership.

The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.

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115

WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.

Using ABS

When hard braking is required, apply continuous force on the brake
pedal; do not pump the brake pedal since this will reduce the
effectiveness of the ABS and will increase your vehicle’s stopping
distance. The ABS will be activated immediately, allowing you to retain
full steering control during hard braking and on slippery surfaces.
However, the ABS does not decrease stopping distance.

ABS warning lamp

ABS

The

ABS

lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates when

the ignition is turned to ON. If the light does not illuminate during start
up, remains on or flashes, the ABS may be disabled and the ABS may
need to be serviced.

Even when the ABS is disabled,
normal braking is still effective. (If
your BRAKE warning lamp
illuminates with the parking brake
released, have your brake system
serviced immediately.)

Parking brake

Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, press the parking
brake pedal down until the pedal
stops.

BRAKE

BRAKE

RELEASE

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116

The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.

WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).

NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.

Pull the release lever to release the
brake.

Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.

STEERING

Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.

To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
• Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left

for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.

• Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level

below the MIN mark on the reservoir.

If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.

If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
• Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)

BRAKE

BRAKE

RELEASE

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117

Mazda B2300 (2003 year). Instruction - part 7